Flight Test Lead Engineer

Virgin Galactic; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Engineer, Flight Test to lead ground and flight test activities, develop configurations, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

You will coordinate with Engineering and program managers, develop test plans and reports, and conduct mission-critical tests. Expect travel between Las Cruces, NM and Spaceport America as needed to support programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably aerospace with 12 years of flight test experience.
• Able to hold FAA Second-Class medical certificate.
• Willingness to travel 50-70% in 2027 between Las Cruces, NM and Spaceport America.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Experience leading a control room for mission-critical test campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead ground test and flight test activities
• Gather and develop the test requirements from the different engineering disciplines
• Work with Engineering to turn requirements into test configuration, procedures, conditions, and maneuvers
• Develop test plans, including hazard analyses
• Develop the test schedules with project engineers and program managers
• Coordinate test schedules with Maintenance, Engineering, and Flight Operations
• Define control room display requirements and updates
• Define and monitor configurations for tests
• Write test reports to document results
• Update flight logs and test documentation
• Provide daily reports on vehicle progress and tests as flown and completed
• Continuously practice safety behavior and adhere to regulatory protocols

Skills

Flight test

Test planning

Hazard analyses

Configuration management

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

IMP/IMS

Job description

Virgin Galactic is seeking a Specialist Engineer, Flight Test to lead ground and flight test activities, develop configurations, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

You will coordinate with Engineering and program managers, develop test plans and reports, and conduct mission-critical tests. Expect travel between Las Cruces, NM and Spaceport America as needed to support programs.